Knoxville's College Scene: An Expert's Deep Dive into Local Universities and Top Student Neighborhoods for Renting

Knoxville, Tennessee, is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The quiet calm of the mountains is the perfect place for college students to study and focus on their education. Most neighborhoods, even those close to Downtown Knoxville, have an abundance of green spaces where students can exercise and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is also a mecca for modern innovation and excitement. Thriving businesses and entertainment venues allow local residents a chance to explore a variety of new opportunities. Many graduates choose to remain in the area after college so they can continue to enjoy the quaint lifestyle.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville was founded in 1794. It is a land-grant research university that offers a wide variety of degree programs, including several programs that are completely online. It is well-known for both academic excellence as well as athletic achievement and sportsmanship.

Advisors at the school go to great lengths to ensure that students have all the resources and tools they need to achieve their educational goals. By using the latest possible technology, they can ensure that students are able to set out on their chosen career path with confidence.

Fort Sanders

Fort Sanders offers the best in student housing options. There is an abundance of affordable rentals ranging from small studio apartments to larger residential homes. Students who make the decision to live off campus can find all types of housing within a short distance of UTK.

Just west of downtown, Fort Sanders provides residents with an opportunity to experience city life while still being close to several green spaces. Its close proximity to major highways in the area allows residents to move quickly throughout the area.

Marble City

Marble City offers multiple affordable rentals for college students in Knoxville. The neighborhood has access to everything a thriving student will need, ranging from beautiful green spaces to a variety of retail stores. There are also many restaurants located nearby.

Major highways surround the neighborhood, making it possible for students to travel easily throughout the Knoxville area. The quiet, laid-back atmosphere is perfect for studying or raising a family. Many students choose to remain in the area long after they graduate.

Old Sevier

Old Sevier is a quiet neighborhood that lies along the southern bank of the Tennessee River. Suttree Landing Park runs along the banks of the river and offers a variety of outdoor activities for local residents. College students in Knoxville can find many affordable rentals that will provide them with everything they will need while they are in school.

Old Sevier is primarily residential, offering both single-family homes and many different rental properties. With major highways nearby, it is easy to travel anywhere in the Knoxville area in just a few minutes.

Johnson University

Johnson University is a faith-based Christian school located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school sits on 440 acres and offers housing for both faculty and students. Many of the students who attend the university have earned scholarships. Both online and campus degree programs are available and are very affordable.

The campus is set far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city to avoid many of the most common distractions. Students can enjoy the perfect environment for learning and still be close enough to the city to have an active social life. It's truly the best of both worlds.

South Knoxville

South Knoxville is a large, extended neighborhood that runs along the outskirts of the city. It is surrounded by the Tennessee River to the north and major highways in almost every direction. There are multiple parks and recreational areas where students can spend time outside.

Although South Knoxville is primarily residential with many single-family homes, there are an abundance of affordable apartments for Johnson University students to choose from. Even though the school is located a short distance from Knoxville, this neighborhood is one of the closest and offers easy access to other parts of the city.

Five Points

The Five Points neighborhood is perfect for college students who are looking for affordable housing in Knoxville. There are several apartment complexes and condos in the area to choose from. Nestled in the midst of a much larger residential area, the surrounding neighborhoods include several green spaces and a variety of retail stores to meet every need.

Highway 11 and Interstate 40 are both close by and offer residents quick access to other areas of the city. Located on the east side of Knoxville, Five Points is also one of the closest neighborhoods to the Johnson University campus.

Island Home

Island Home offers access to both the Tennessee River and the Ijams Nature Center. The Knoxville Downtown Island is also just a short distance away. The neighborhood offers affordable housing options for students and young professionals who are just starting out.

Students who want to enjoy a quiet residential neighborhood, yet still have access to all the big city has to offer, will enjoy Island Home. Downtown proper is not far away, allowing students to get a taste of the hustle and bustle of the professional world.

Maryville College

Maryville College is a liberal arts school dedicated to providing its students with the highest quality education possible. By incorporating the most innovative teaching methods, instructors are able to expand the horizons of every student who enrolls at the college.

Students are given every opportunity to explore a variety of career options. The college offers award-winning degree programs that are engaging and challenging. Students can investigate career options that include internships with local Knoxville companies that open the door to lifelong career paths.

West View

Even though Maryville College is a short distance from Knoxville, many students can find their ideal rental in the West View neighborhood. Located to the west of downtown Knoxville, the neighborhood has a good mix of both residential homes and apartment offerings.

There are several parks and recreational areas that offer outdoor activities and the opportunity to get a little much-needed fresh air. West View is a great place to start if you are new to the area. Major highways are nearby, providing easy access to all of the greater Knoxville community.

Old City

Old City is one of the smallest neighborhoods in Knoxville, but it is one of the most densely populated. Located in the heart of the city, this is one of its most eclectic and vibrant communities. From quirky shops and boutiques to unique restaurants and bistros, college students have everything they need within walking distance.

The neighborhood is surrounded by major highways, making it possible to be away from the downtown area in a matter of minutes. There are few green spaces, but a short drive will have you away from town and close to an abundance of parks and nature areas.

Vestal

Vestal lies along the southern edge of Knoxville. Maryville Pike runs right through the middle of the neighborhood, giving students an easy way to get to and from school. There are several affordable apartment complexes in the area that are geared toward college living.

Residents who enjoy the outdoors won't be disappointed. Mary Vestal Park, High Ground Park, and River Bluff Wildlife Area are just a short distance away. For students who enjoy the water, the Tennessee River is also close by. Vestal offers the perfect environment for both living and learning.

Knoxville College

Knoxville College is a private, faith-based school. Although it is considered a historically black, Christian college, students are welcomed from all types of backgrounds. Cultural diversity, combined with quality liberal arts degree programs, makes it possible for educators to provide an education that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

The faculty at Knoxville College strives to offer a level of academic excellence that is unmatched in the area. From academics to athletics, the school always looks for new and innovative ways to go above and beyond to help each student to achieve their career goals.

Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville is the home neighborhood for Knoxville College. With plenty of green spaces and direct access to downtown, it is the perfect location for students who are on the move. Many apartment rentals are within walking distance of the school and offer amenities most students are looking for.

The close proximity to the downtown area gives students a chance to truly get to know the city and what makes it tick. Major highways are immediately accessible, allowing students to head to the mountains and nature areas whenever they need a quick getaway to relax.

Beaumont

Beaumont is another Knoxville neighborhood that is set up for student living. There is an abundance of affordable rentals throughout the community. Highway 62 and Interstate 275 run along its borders, allowing students easy access to retail centers and restaurants.

Beaumont is close enough to downtown to enjoy the fun festivities, yet just far enough away to allow students a chance to relax after a long day in class. They can go for a walk or meet with a few friends to talk over the events of the week. It offers student living at its very best.

West Knoxville

As one of the biggest neighborhoods, West Knoxville also has a lot more to offer both students and families. There is a good mix of single-family homes and apartments to choose from if you are looking for affordable rentals. There is also no shortage of shopping centers or restaurants.

Green spaces are also within reach, giving students the opportunity to join in on a variety of outdoor activities. Highway 62 runs through the neighborhood, connecting residents with other major roadways. If you are looking for a comfortable blend of city fun and suburban living, West Knoxville should be at the top of your list.

Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville

For 125 years, Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville has offered students a more personalized approach to education. The school offers over 30 academic majors and a student-to-faculty ratio of less than 10 to 1. Academic excellence is the top priority and lays the foundation for each student's successful career path.

LMU has been ranked as one of the best private colleges when it comes to career development and business education for several years in a row. Educators and students alike excel in this relaxed, yet thriving environment. Students are able to enjoy their educational experience to the fullest.

North Knoxville

North Knoxville is another large neighborhood full of affordable rentals and new opportunities. Located north of downtown, students have access to a variety of restaurants and brewhouses. Retail shops are scattered throughout, along with several green spaces for balance.

I-640 and I-75 run through the neighborhood, making it easy to get to school and home again safely and efficiently. North Knoxville is the perfect blend of old and new. Students can find new opportunities that will open the door to future careers just by exploring their community and its surroundings.

Old North Knoxville

Old North Knoxville is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. It has a rich history and, at one time, many of the area's richest families called it home. Many larger homes have been turned into apartments for students and up-and-coming professionals who are new to the area. Affordable rentals for students can be found throughout the community.

Close to downtown, but surrounded by other residential areas, students can expect a quiet environment that is laid back and relaxed. There are restaurants close by for when cooking isn't an option. Green spaces can be found in many nearby neighborhoods when students need a little fresh air or outdoor fun.

Parkridge

Parkridge sits just to the east of downtown Knoxville. Caswell Park is located in the western section of the neighborhood and offers several outdoor activities. The quiet community is mostly residential and has several affordable apartments that are perfect for students.

I-40 runs along the northern edge of the neighborhood and makes for a quick getaway to the mountains or any other type of activity you may be interested in. Students often choose Parkridge for its affordability as well as its quiet, welcoming environment.

Finding an apartment or home near their school is usually a top priority for most students. A shorter commute time and the ability to alleviate the pressure of getting to class on time are key factors most students look for. Living as close to the campus as possible makes it easier to take advantage of the school's many academic resources.

Knoxville offers a wide variety of housing options for college students who choose to live off campus. The city offers live entertainment and many cultural activities that bring to life the rich history of the area. For students who want to truly explore their future and learn about their roots, Knoxville is the perfect place to be!